Are you considering getting a French Bulldog for a pet?
The Isabella French Bulldog is among the rarest and most sought-after Frenchies today.
So, how is this dog different from other French Bulldog varieties?
This guide will give you everything about this unique and beautiful Frenchie.
Come with us for this and more.
The Isabella French Bulldog
With their beautiful and striking coats, lilac Frenchies have become among the most popular and highly sought-after dogs today. While the Isabella Frenchie is just like any other French Bulldog, the unique coloring on its coat sets it apart from the rest.
Breed Overview
| Isabella French Bulldog | Description |
| Other names | Isabella Frenchie, Bulldog Frances Isabella, Isabella Frog dog, Isabella Clown dog |
| Purity | Purebred |
| Size | Small |
| Height | 11-13 inches |
| Weight | 17-28 pounds |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| AKC recognition | Yes |
| Coat Type | Short, smooth |
| Family Compatibility | High |
| Coat color | Light brown |
| Pet friendliness | Moderate to high |
| Child friendliness | High |
| Barking level | Low |
| Shedding level | Moderate |
| Grooming needs | Moderate |
| Trainability | Moderate |
| Energy level | Moderate |
| Exercise needs | Low to medium |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Life span | 10-12 years |
| Litter size | 2-4 puppies |
| Puppy costs | $8,000-$10,000 |
Origin
Popularly known as Frenchies, French Bulldogs originated from England in the 1800s and are descendants of the Bullenbeissers, used for bloody sports like Bullbaiting. However, following the outlawing of this sport, these English Bulldogs were rendered useless. The breeders from England began breeding the Bullenbeissers with local dogs and came up with smaller versions of the dogs. These smaller dogs gained popularity in England, especially with lacemakers.
When the lacemakers moved to France during the industrial revolution, they brought their small dogs. Here these small Frenchies quickly gained popularity, especially with the working class. Over time, these dogs were bred with other breeds, specifically Terriers and Pugs, which gave them their bat-like ears. Later, these bat-eared dogs were renamed Bouledog Francais, or the French Bulldog.
The Isabella French Bulldog is a relatively new color variation that recently gained popularity. However, the exact origin of this French Bulldog variety remains unknown.
Why is it that Everyone Wants an Isabella French Bulldog?
The beauty of the Isabella French Bulldog has caught the attention of many grown, making it one of the most preferred pets for households. This is because of its unique coloration that gives its coat a beautiful, striking appearance that appeals to many. Additionally, the compact size and likable demeanor of the Isabella Frenchie make it a darling of many. This dog is loving, affectionate, calm, adaptable, and charming, which makes it desirable to many people.
Does AKC recognize Isabella Frenchie?
Despite their rising fame and popularity, the AKC does not recognize Isabella French Bulldogs. Lilac is a rare color that does not meet the breed standards for French Bulldogs, as it’s considered a mutation. The AKC only recognizes 9 colors for this breed, including cream, fawn, white, brindle, and any variation of the four colors.
How Isabella French Bulldogs Gained Popularity
Although Frenchies were initially popular among lacemakers who lived in Northern France, it wasn’t long before their cute looks, amicable demeanor, and compact size caught the attention of the rest of the country. Soon, the Frenchies’ popularity spread to Europe and then the US.
With the overall popularity of the French Bulldog rising, so do all French Bulldogs varieties, including the Isabella Frenchies. Among the rarest French Bulldogs colors, the demand for Isabella Frenchies is very high, making them among the most popular variety. Additionally, their unique coat color has grabbed the attention of many people worldwide.
Top 5 Unique Facts About Isabella French Bulldogs
The following are some unique facts about Isabella Frenchies that you should know:
- The Isabella coat coloration results from recessive genes: For a Frenchie puppy to turn out Isabella, one parent must have the blue DNA gene. At the same time, the other should be chocolate or liver-colored.
- The lilac coat color is rare: Due to the rarity of the recessive gene Isabella Frenchies are also very rare and hard to find.
- Isabella Frenchies can’t reproduce naturally: Just like regular Frenchies, Lilac Frenchies cannot give birth naturally due to their small hips. They can only reproduce via artificial insemination and cesarean section.
- Isabella Frenchies are expensive: Given their popularity and rarity, Isabella Frenchies are among the most expensive varieties for French Bulldogs. You can expect to part with anything between $8,000- $11,000 and above to acquire a puppy from a reputable breeder.
- They are prone to several health issues: Due to their recessive genes, Isabella Frenchies are susceptible to numerous genetic health problems. As a result, these dogs are not officially recognized by the AKC and can’t take part in AKC shows.
What Makes an Isabella French Bulldog?
The distinctive coat color of Isabella Frenchie results from a recessive dilution gene that this dog carries. For the light brown-grayish coloring to manifest, a puppy must receive a copy of the recessive gene from both parents.
How do I know if my Frenchie has Isabella?
You can tell if your Frenchie is Isabella through its appearance. Isabella Frenchies have a light brown-grayish coat. However, DNA testing is the surest way to determine if your Frenchie is truly Isabella.
Isabella French Bulldog DNA
An Isabella French Bulldog has the homozygous genotype bbdd for chocolate and homozygous for dilution. This means that D-locus and B-locus determine the gene for a lilac Frenchie. As such, for a Frenchie to be lilac, it must carry two copies of the diluted blue gene and the brown gene.
The dilute gene that’s present in the French Bulldog Isabella’s DNA is what gives these Frenchies their blue color. The ‘’dd’’ must be present for the blue to appear in a Frenchie puppy. The brown gene on an Isabella French is denoted as ‘’bb’’. For the Isabella Frenchie to have that pale brown-grayish coat color, it must have the ‘’ddbb’’ combination.
What is a new shade of Isabella French Bulldog?
This is a color variation of the French Bulldog that comes in pale reddish-brown coat color. This results from three copies of dilute genes, including the dilute blue, brown, and cocoa genes.
How to make a new shade of Isabella French Bulldog?
A new shade Isabella French Bulldog has a bb+dd+coco combination. The new shade isabella refers to a triple dilute, incorporating blue, brown, and coco. A new shade of Isabella Frenchie shares the same DNA as Isabella Frenchie, except it comes with an additional pair of recessive genes.
Isabella Lilac, French Bulldog
Isabella Lilac French Bulldog is another name for the new shade Isabella French Bulldog.
Various Isabella Color French Bulldog
Isabella Frenchies come in various colors and patterns. These are some variations of the Isabella French Bulldog.
Isabella Merle French Bulldog
This is a rare variation of the Isabella French Bulldog marked by a light brown-grayish coat with irregular patches of a darker color like red, tan, or blue. This unique color results from a combination of the dilute and merle genes. The dilute gene also affects eye pigmentation resulting in distinctive hazel, blue, or green-colored eyes.
Isabella tan merle French Bulldog
The Isabella tan merle French Bulldog has a light brown-grayish coat with irregular patches of tan.
Blue Merle Isabella French Bulldog
This Frenchie has a pale brown-grayish base coat with dark gray spots throughout the body. Like blue Frenchies and blue merles, blue merle isabella Frenchies also have blue-colored eyes.
Isabella lilac merle French Bulldog
The Isabella Merle French Bulldog looks like the new shade Isabella Merle Frenchie with a light reddish brown coat and dark speckles that can be tan or red.
Isabella tan French Bulldog
This dog comes in a light brown-grayish coat with hints of tan on the torso, head, and legs. Isabella tan Frenchies can have a distinctive tan facial mask that covers one or both eyes.
Blue and tan Isabella French Bulldog
In addition to the pale brown-grayish coat, this Isabella Frenchie variation has blue and tan points on the legs, body, and head.
Lilac tan Isabella French Bulldog
This Frenchie has a light reddish-brown coat with a tan head, legs, and body markings.
Isabella fawn French Bulldog
The Isabella fawn Frenchie comes with a pale brown-grayish coat with brown spots on the head, legs, and body.
Blue fawn Isabella French Bulldog
Like a Blue Fawn French Bulldog, a blue fawn Isabella Frenchie has a gray mask.
Platinum Isabella French Bulldog
This light brown-grayish coat has a pale pink nose and paw pads.
Rojo Isabella French Bulldog
The body of the Rojo Isabella Frenchie is covered with a chocolate-colored coat with light brownish-gray points on the head, legs, and body.
Isabella brindle French Bulldog
These Frenchies come with a light brownish-gray coat with lighter-colored stripes on the fur.
Chocolate Isabella French Bulldog
This Frenchie has a light brown-grayish coat with chocolate points on the head, legs, and body.
Champagne Isabella French Bulldog
This Isabella Frenchie variation has a light cream hue with touches of a grayish-brown shade. Champagne Isabella Frenchie also has pink-colored lips, paw pads, and a nose.
Isabella Cream French Bulldog
The Isabella Cream Frenchie is marked by a light brown-grayish coat with hints of cream on the head, legs, and body.
Isabella pied French Bulldog
The Isabella Pied Frenchie has a light brown-grayish coat with regular or irregular white spots.
Isabella tri French Bulldog
These Frenchies come in a light grayish-brown base coat with a tan and white neck, face, and leg markings.
Pink Isabella French Bulldog
It has a light brown-grayish coat with a light pink nose, eye rims, and paw pads.
Blue Isabella French Bulldog
These dogs have grayish eye rims, noses, and paw pads.
Isabella fluffy French Bulldog
An Isabella Fluffy Frenchie has a light brown-grayish coat with slightly longer and fluffier hair around the ears and head. The longer hair results from the additional FGF5 gene in these Frenchies. While some fluffy isabella Frenchie come in a solid color, others can have piebald or merle patterns.
Husky pink fluffy Isabella French Bulldog
This new French Bulldog variety has a light brown-grayish coat and piebald pattern. Due to albinism, these dogs also have pink paw pads, noses, and eye rims. Although they may have a piebald pattern, these dogs don’t have pied or brindle genes in their DNA.
Physical Characteristics of an Isabella French Bulldog
Isabella Frenchies, just like other French Bulldogs, are small dogs with muscular bodies. Although they are small, these Frenchies are also compact and heavy-boned. Isabella Frenchies Isabella Frenchies are brachycephalic, meaning they have a flat facial structure with short muzzles. These dogs have large square heads and bat-like ears that always appear alert.
The most outstanding feature of Isabella French Bulldogs is their coat color. These dogs have soft, smooth, and shiny coat with a distinctive light liver color and a grayish tint. They also have light-colored eyes, which may be light grey, green, amber, or blue, and greyish-brown or light pink noses. Isabella Frenchies have visibly noticeable pale pink markings around the eyes and lips.
What is Isabella’s color in French Bulldog?
The Isabella color in French Bulldogs is a dusty, pale brown shade. Isabella Frenchies come in a liver-colored coat with a grayish-blue hue. The Isabella color is simply a diluted version of the brown color that appears as a light brown or gray coat.
Isabella French Bulldog size, height, and weight
Like the regular Frenchie, Isabella Frenchie is a small dog. Both male and female Isabella Frenchies are 11-13 inches tall when fully grown. However, a female Isabella Frenchie is slightly lighter, weighing 17-24 pounds compared to males with 20-28 pounds.
The Temperament of an Isabella French Bulldog
Isabella Frenchies have a lovely temperament. These dogs are known for their loving, affectionate, playful, loyal, and social nature. They have a calm and agreeable demeanor which makes them excellent family companions. They are playful, observant, and gentle, making great playmates for children.
Frenchies, Isabella French Bulldogs included, are highly adaptable dogs that can live anywhere and under any circumstances. Isabella Frenchies are best suited for apartments and small living spaces due to their small sizes, low maintenance requirements, and low barking tendencies.
Despite their stubbornness, Isabella Frenchies are intelligent dogs that quickly grasp basic commands. These dogs respond best to positive reinforcement training techniques.
Is Isabella French Bulldog Good With Other Pets?
Yes, Isabella Frenchies are known for their extremely friendly and social nature. They are also not known to be aggressive and relate well with other dogs and pets. However, proper socialization training is necessary for a better relationship. Introduce your Frenchie to other pets and animals early, as they are more likely to get along well when introduced early.
A Suitable Home For A Isabella French Bulldog Dog
Although Isabella Frenchies have moderate energy levels, they are highly playful dogs and thus require enough space to run and play around. These pups also need walks and outdoor activities as part of their exercise. A home with a fenced yard is ideal for these Frenchies.
Additionally, Isabella Frenchies, like all other brachycephalic dogs, are prone to overheating due to their inability to regulate their body temperatures. A home with a temperature-controlled environment is best for these dogs.
You’ll also need to ensure you have all the necessary supplies, such as grooming kits, toys, feeding and water bowls, and a dog bed. Isabella Frenchies have a cheerful nature making them suitable for families with children.
Isabella vs. Lilac French Bulldog: what is the difference?
Isabella and Lilac French Bulldogs are almost similar in appearance and are often confused with each other. However, these dogs are different from one another. The table below summarizes the differences between these two French Bulldog varieties.
| Isabella French Bulldog | Lilac French Bulldog |
| Has a pale brown-grayish coat | Has a light brown-bluish coat |
| Results from a combination of the brown gene and the dilution gene | This result from a combination of the coco gene and the dilution gene. |
| Has the genotype bb/dd | Has the genotype coco/dd |
| Light brown or pale pink nose | Light brown or pale pink nose |
| Pinkish skin around the lips, eye rims, nose, and paw pads | Has reddish-pink skin on the eye rims, paw pads, nose, and lips. |
| Costs between $2500 and $8,000 | Costs between $2500-$10,000 |
Health Issues With an Isabella French Bulldog
Frenchies, Isabella Frenchies included, are susceptible to various health issues. These are some of the health problems that Isabella French Bulldogs may face:
- Hypothyroidism: This condition results from the interruption of the thyroid gland, causing lethargy, hair loss, epilepsy, obesity, and dark skin patches.
- Color dilution alopecia: Due to the presence of the dilution gene, Isabella Frenchies have a higher chance of developing alopecia, a condition that causes hair thinning and loss, as well as dry, flaky skin. Factors like allergies, genetics, autoimmune diseases, and other infections also contribute to this condition.
- Cherry eye: This condition occurs when a dog’s third eyelid gets weakened, resulting in a prolapse. This condition is extremely uncomfortable and painful and can lead to other complications like conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers. The symptoms of cherry eye include swelling and a small red protrusion on the eyelid.
- Spinal disorders: French Bulldogs are generally prone to back and spine issues like intervertebral disc disease and hemivertebrae due to their body structure.
- Gastroenteritis: Due to their facial structures, Isabella Frenchies cannot breathe well with their noses. Hence, they breathe using their mouth, which causes them to breathe in more air resulting in excessive gassiness in the digestive system. This, in turn, causes bloating and stomach upsets.
- Allergies: Isabella Frenchies, just like other Frenchies, are prone to allergies. A Frenchie with allergies will exhibit itchy skin, runny nose, sneezing, constant scratching, and paw licking.
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome: This refers to a particular set of upper airway abnormalities such as elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, and laryngeal collapse, among others. This results in respiratory and breathing problems in Frenchies.
Training & Exercise Needs of an Isabella French Bulldog
Isabella Frenchies are smart dogs which makes them easy to train. However, these dogs also have a stubborn streak, making training a bit challenging. They can quickly grasp instructions and commands using the right training techniques.
Frenchies generally respond best to positive reinforcement training techniques such as words of encouragement and reward-based training. You’ll also need to be patient and consistent in your training. Remember to keep the training sessions short and entertaining, as Frenchies easily get bored.
Isabella Frenchies have moderate energy levels and thus don’t require many exercises to keep them active. Ideally, one hour of low-intensity daily exercises split into two sessions is sufficient to keep these dogs healthy and fit. Being brachycephalic dogs, long or hard exercise sessions can lead to over-exertion and breathing problems.
Feeding and Nutrition Requirements for an Isabella French Bulldog
Like all other Frenchies, Isabella Frenchies need a balanced, high-quality diet for optimal health. The ideal food should be nutrient-dense and made using natural ingredients. It should be high in protein and fiber but low in carbs, fats, and salt.
Like the regular Frenchie, Isabella Frenchies love food and will eat anything and everything they find. This makes them prone to weight gain and obesity. It’s thus important to feed the right amount of food based on the age and size of your dog.
Ideally, Frenchies need about 2-3 cups of food portioned into two servings. You can give healthy snacks in between meals if you do it in moderation to avoid unhealthy weight gain.
Grooming and Maintenance of an Isabella French Bulldog
Isabella Frenchies are easy to groom due to their short, smooth coat. Usually, weekly brushing and occasional baths are enough to keep them in top condition. Regular brushing will help distribute oils throughout your dog’s coat, keeping it healthy and shiny.
Since Isabella Frenchies have thin coats and delicate skins, it’s best to use soft-bristled or silicon brush gloves, as solid brushes will hurt them. Ensure that your Frenchie’s face wrinkles remain clean and dry. You can use baby wipes to clean and dry the skin folds using a soft towel.
Only bathe your Isabella Frenchie when necessary, like when it rolls in mud or gets dirty. Frequent bathing of your dog will rid its skin of essential oils resulting in flaky, dry skin.
Read more on How To Clean Your French Bulldog Face and Folds and How To Bathe A French Bulldog Puppy + BATHING PRODUCTS.
What Is the Cost of an Isabella French Bulldog Dog
Due to the popularity and growing demand, plus the rarity of the coat color, Isabella Frenchies are more expensive than other Frenchies and breeds. You can expect to pay between $8,000-$11,000 to get one, depending on the breeder, pedigree, and location.
Isabella French Bulldog Breeders
The following are some of the major Isabella Frenchie breeders available:
| Breeder | Contacts |
| Ivy Rose Puppies (UK) | Website: www.ivyrosepuppies.co.uk |
| Manhattan Puppies and Kittens (New York) | Website: www.manhattan-puppies.com |
| West Coast Isabella Frenchies (Canada) | Website: www.isabellafrenchies.com |
| Woodland Frenchies (Texas) | Website: woodlandfrenchies.com |
| TomKings Kennel (UK) | Website:www.tomkingskennel.com |
| Wild Blue French Bulldogs (Dallas) | website:wildbluefrenchbulldogs.com |
| Designer French Bulldogs (New Jersey) | Website: www.designerfrenchbulldogs.com |
Isabella Frenchie puppies
When buying an Isabella Frenchie puppy, finding a reputable and responsible breeder is important. Any responsible breeder will not hesitate to share useful information regarding the breeding process and health of sable Frenchies. They will also be willing to provide proof of the good health of their puppies. Ensure you enquire about the health status of the puppy’s parents.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Isabella French Bulldog Dog
The following are some advantages and disadvantages of owning an Isabella French Bulldog.
Pros
- They are extremely friendly and social with people and other pets.
- They are smart and hence easy to train.
- They have low exercise needs making them ideal for busy individuals and apartments.
- They are unique and beautiful.
- Isabella Frenchies are highly loyal, making them great companions.
Cons
- Isabella Frenchies are rare and hence expensive
- They have high snoring and drooling tendencies.
- They are prone to various health issues
- They have sensitive skin and require extra care
- They are susceptible to separation anxiety if left alone for long durations.
How do I know if my French Bulldog is Isabella?
The best way to determine if your Frenchie is Isabella is through a DNA test. This will reveal whether the Frenchie has both the dilution (dd) and brown genes (bb). Additionally, you can identify an Isabella Frenchie through its distinct light brown coat with hints of a light grayish-blue tint.
What is the average lifespan of an Isabella French Bulldog?
Like other Frenchies, Isabella Frenchies have an expected lifespan of 10-12 years. However, a lilac Frenchie can live beyond this age with the right nutrition, care, and exercise.
What is the size of an Isabella French Bulldog?
An Isabella Frenchie is a small to medium-sized dog like all other Frenchies. An adult Frenchie is 11-13 inches tall and weighs 16-28 pounds.
How much is a full Isabella French Bulldog?
Due to its rarity and popularity, which leads to high demand, Isabella Frenchies are among the most expensive Frenchie varieties. You can expect to pay between $8000-$11,000 for a full Isabella Frenchie.
What genes make Isabella?
An Isabella dog has dd/dd genotype. This dog results from a combination of the blue and brown dilution genes, resulting in a unique light brown coat color with tints of light grayish blue hue.
What colors make Isabella Frenchies?
An Isabella French Bulldog has a light brown coat with tinges of light grayish blue. These dogs also have bright-colored eyes, which can be blue, green, or amber. They also have light pink eye rims, noses, and paw pads.
What is the rarest French Bulldog, Isabella?
Platinum, Merle, and New Shade Isabella Frenchies are the rarest varieties of the Isabella French Bulldog sub-breed.
What’s the DNA of an Isabella Frenchie?
An Isabella French Bulldog has a dd/bb genotype. For a Frenchie puppy to be Isabella, it must inherit two copies of the dilution gene and the brown gene from its parents.
Why is Isabella French Bulldogs so expensive?
Isabella French Bulldogs are very expensive mainly because of their rarity. The genes responsible for producing the Isabella coat are recessive hence quite rare. Isabella Frenchies are also very hard to breed, contributing to the high price.
How much is a platinum isabella French Bulldog?
A platinum Isabella is among the rarest and most expensive Isabella Frenchie varieties. This dog can cost around $12,000, depending on the breeder.
How can I tell if my French Bulldog is platinum?
You will know if a Frenchie is a platinum through its appearance. A platinum Frenchie is covered in cream with signs of dilution around the eyes, nose, lips, and paw pads. A DNA test is the best way to determine if a dog is truly platinum.
How do you know if your Frenchie is purebred?
The main distinguishing aspect of a purebred French Bulldog is its erect bat-like ears that always appear alert.
How can you tell a good quality French Bulldog?
You can tell a good quality Frenchie via its health status. A high-quality Frenchie is free from diseases and illnesses. If the parents of a Frenchie puppy are healthy, it’s also likely to be healthy.
What are the rarest French Bulldog colors?
Blue, Lilac, platinum, chocolate, and blue and tan are among the rarest French Bulldog colors available. Blue merle is considered the rarest French Bulldog color there is.
What color is Isabella in AKC?
According to the AKC, Isabella refers to fawn color, a dilute red.
What DNA is New shade isabella?
A new shade Isabella has a cocoa gene, blue dilution, and chocolate genes. This means Isabella’s new shade has the genotype dd/bb/coco.
What two-color Frenchies make Merle?
The two main colors that make a merle are the blue merle and the red merle.
Final Thoughts
Isabella French Bulldogs make good family pets. These dogs are even-tempered and have a calm demeanor, making them perfect companion dogs that relate well with children and other pets. Besides the unique and beautiful coat, the Isabella French Bulldog is compact and doesn’t require much space. This makes it appealing to people living in apartments.
However, an Isabella Frenchie is rare, making it among the most expensive Frenchie breeds available. This dog is also prone to health issues and needs extra care and attention. However, as long as you can manage their health issues properly, Isabella Frenchies are wonderful pets worth owning.